Visa Note and Fees

SCHENGEN STATE Please read this note for all Schengen Countries ahead. Thank You.

Schengen Territory Indian Nationals can obtain short stay visa for a period ranging from one to ninety days, valid for all countries of the Schengen Territory i.e. Austria, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden & Switzerland. The Schengen Convention is a great step towards freedom of circulation of people. Foreigners bearing a valid stay permit delivered by one of the Schengen states can leave and later re-enter the Schengen Territory without having to ask for a visa again, on condition that they have a valid passport and relevant travel document and a multiple entry visa. Application for visas have to be submitted with the competent Consular authorities, which are to be determined according to the following criteria

• If the applicant intends to stay in one country only, application should be submitted at the Representation of the same country.
• If the applicant wishes to travel to several member States application should be submitted at the Representation of the country where the main purpose of travel lies, determined by the duration of stay.
• If the main destination cannot be ascertained, the competent Consular office for processing the application will be one of the countries of the first port of entry into the Schengen Territory.
• Long term visas are still subject to the Law of the country of destination. They must be applied for at the Consular Authorities of the concerned member states.

Note: For machine readable visas & passports.

Machine readable visas (which are in all cases the type issued by the Belgium Consulate) are not to be applied on the reverse side of a passport page already containing another machine readable visa (regardless of the country of issuance & the validity of that visa). Therefore, it is advisable that the passport contains at least one double blank page reserved for visas (blank front and back). Be informed that your visa will not be affixed if your passport doesn't comply with this (new) criteria, in which case you will be requested to submit a new passport

Note: Please make sure that Air Ticket, Invitation, Insurance and Covering Letter have matching dates.

Tourist

• The Applicant should have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the expiry date of your visa and should contain at least one double blank page reserved for visas (blank front and back). One photocopy of your passport (the blank pages don't need to be copied). Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• One visa form (print or photocopy allowed- back to back).
• Documents proving the purpose of your trip (e.g. an invitation letter) and circumstances of the intended stay (e.g. proof of hotel booking or any other lodging reference).
• Two passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm against a white background, the size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 32 mm and 36 mm), the photo needs to be printed on high-quality paper with at least 600 dpi resolution. It should be glued to the form and not stapled; one additional photograph has to be attached to the application form with a paper clip.
• Confirmed onward/ return air ticket (along with photocopy).
• Proof of your financial ability to support your trip. It can be done by:
• Proof of sufficient and regular own financial means of subsistence to cover your intended stay and your return to India, e.g. recent salary sheets/ declaration of your employer concerning your monthly income/tax sheet/bank statement/.... (This should cover at least €38/day of stay if staying with friends and at least €50/day of stay if staying at a hotel). OR
• A letter of guarantee (in the prescribed form “Annexe 3bis”/“Bijlage 3bis” - French - Flemish) by a guarantor permanently residing in Belgium or of Belgian nationality (in case he/she is NOT residing in Belgium). This document can be obtained from the guarantor’s municipality (or a Belgian mission abroad) where he has to be certified. It is valid for 6 months after being signed. + Official proof of sufficient solvency of the guarantor: copy of the guarantor’s 3 most recent salary sheets/guarantor’s most recent tax sheet/other official proof of the guarantor’s solvency) . + A photocopy of the identity card or the unlimited residence permit of the guarantor. + An original and authenticated Certificate of family composition on the name of the guarantor, issued by his/her municipality in Belgium
• Your return plane ticket reservation with all flights confirmed.
• A letter of leave from the applicant’s employer mentioning the applicant’s position in the company. OR A letter of the applicant’s school administration confirming the holiday and if you are below the age of 21 years, parental consent (from both parents/guardian) sworn before the Magistrate Court.
• Your original medical insurance policy (more details).
• In certain cases: other complementary documents might be requested to justify the merits of the visa application.
• You should apply 3 weeks before the scheduled date of departure.

For applicants applying in New Delhi:

• Visa fee is to be paid in cash at the Belgium Visa Application Centre. Also there is a VFS service charge of Rs. 805/- levied per application and a cash handling charge of Rs. 57/- (inclusive of service tax & education cess) payable in cash.

For applicants applying in Mumbai and Bangalore:

• Payable to "VFS Belgium".
• Account 24105038515 at Standard Chartered Bank
• Payable in Mumbai.
• Dated not later than the presentation of the visa application.
• One bank draft per application/person.

For Legalisations:
• Payable to "Consulate General of Belgium".
• Account 1080273 at Royal Bank of Scotland, Mumbai.
• Payable in Mumbai.
• Dated not later than the presentation of the legalisation.
• One bank draft per application/person.

One month	INR 4200
3 Months	INR 4200
1 Year (Multiple Entry)	INR 4200
Legalisation fee	INR 1050
Children 6 to 12 years	INR 2450
Children 0 to 6 years	INR 0
VFS Service Charge	INR 805
VFS Service Charge for Legalisation	INR 315

Visa fee is non-refundable.

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Business

• The Applicant should have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the expiry date of your visa and should contain at least one double blank page reserved for visas (blank front and back). One photocopy of your passport (the blank pages don't need to be copied). Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• One visa form (print or photocopy allowed- back to back).
• Two passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm against a white background, the size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 32 mm and 36 mm), the photo needs to be printed on high-quality paper with at least 600 dpi resolution. It should be glued to the form and not stapled; one additional photograph has to be attached to the application form with a paper clip.
• Confirmed onward/ return air ticket (along with photocopy).
• A signed Invitation letter from the concerned Company in Belgium or Luxembourg.
• Proof of sufficient foreign exchange except for those who are already sponsored.
• Visa for the next destination.

Self employed applicants :

• A valid passport. The passport should be valid at least 3 months after the expiry date of your visa and should contain at least one double blank page reserved for visas (blank front and back) when applying for the visa.
• One application form, signed and dated by the applicant (*).
• An original invitation letter from the inviting company in Belgium or the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, mentioning the name, profession and passport number of the person(s) invited, the purpose and duration of the visit, which party will bear the travelling and lodging expenses, telephone/fax number/e-mail address of the inviting company in Belgium or the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, name, position and signature of the legal representative of the inviting business relation. This letter should be made on official letter head paper used by th
• A covering letter from the Indian company (or an official organisation in India) confirming the applicant’s position within the company. The letter should also mention which party is bearing the expenses related to the trip of the applicant. This letter should be made on official letter head paper used by the company.
• Your return plane ticket reservation with all flights confirmed.
• Hotel confirmation for the entire period of stay in Schengen area. Hotel should match the ticket dates and maximum stay should be in Belguim.
• Your original medical insurance policy (more details).
• We recommend that you provide recent and official financial information of the Indian company or Indian organization and the proof of an existing commercial relationship, if you have already done business with the inviting company in Belgium or the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (i.e. bill of lading, business contract,..)
• The documents listed above are only the basic documents to be submitted in all cases. Additional documents may be requested by the Embassy or Consulate General. Also, the applicant may be invited in person for an interview.

You should apply 3 weeks before the scheduled date of departure.

All submitted documents must be recent.

All documents have to be produced in 1 original and 1 copy.

The present short stay visa doesn't exempt you from a work permit which might be required depending on the type of activity you intend to do in Belgium. Please check with your employer or client in Belgium before departure.

Submitting false documents may be followed by legal action.

The above mentioned visa is valid for all Schengen countries and is intended for a short stay up to 90 days.

Multiple entries are required in case the Schengen-area is re-entered after e.g. travelling to USA/UK. If further applications for other countries are to be made, the passport can stay in possession of the applicant until the day preceding the date of issue.

AS A RULE – and provided the relevant authorities do not object or no additional documents are required – the visa will be issued after 3 working days.

NOTE: NEW PROCEDURE: Most common are certificates of civil status (Birth/ Marriage/ Death Certificates), diplomas, police clearance certificate and affidavits. These documents only require a single legalization (Apostle) issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. Additional legalization by the Belgian Consulate/Embassy is not required anymore. Coordinates of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India

Joint Secretary (Consular),
CPV Division, Patiala House Annexe
Tilak Marg
New Delhi
Phone: 11 2338 8015
Fax: 11 2338 8385
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: http://mea.gov.in , http://mea.gov.in/apostille.htm
For applicants applying in New Delhi:

• Visa fee is to be paid in cash at the Belgium Visa Application Centre. Also there is a VFS service charge of Rs. 805/- levied per application and a cash handling charge of Rs. 57/- (inclusive of service tax & education cess) payable in cash.

For applicants applying in Mumbai and Bangalore:

• Payable to "VFS Belgium".
• Account 24105038515 at Standard Chartered Bank
• Payable in Mumbai.
• Dated not later than the presentation of the visa application.
• One bank draft per application/person.

For Legalisations:
• Payable to "Consulate General of Belgium".
• Account 1080273 at Royal Bank of Scotland, Mumbai
• Payable in Mumbai.
• Dated not later than the presentation of the legalisation.
• One bank draft per application/person.

One month	INR 4200
3 Months	INR 4200
1 Year (Multiple Entry)	INR 4200
Legalisation fee	INR 1050
Children 6 to 12 years	INR 2450
Children 0 to 6 years	INR 0
VFS Service Charge	INR 805
VFS Service Charge for Legalisation	INR 315

Visa fee is non-refundable.

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Transit

The documents to be produced when applying for a transit visa (maximum 5 days) valid for the Schengen Countries, with Belgium or the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as the main destination, are:

• A valid passport. The passport should be valid at least 3 months after the expiry date of your visa and should contain at least one double blank page reserved for visas (blank front and back) when applying for the visa. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• Two passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm against a white background, the size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 32 mm and 36 mm), the photo needs to be printed on high-quality paper with at least 600 dpi resolution. It should be glued to the form and not stapled; one additional photograph has to be attached to the application form with a paper clip.
• One application form, signed and dated by the applicant
• A valid visa for the country of final destination (outside the Schengen area).
• Your plane ticket reservation with all flights confirmed proving the transit port of entry is Belgium.
• Depending on circumstances, other documents may be demanded.
You should apply 3 weeks before the scheduled date of departure.

All submitted documents must be recent.

All documents have to be produced in 1 original and 1 copy.

Submitting false documents may be followed by legal action.

For applicants applying in New Delhi:

• Visa fee is to be paid in cash at the Belgium Visa Application Centre. Also there is a VFS service charge of Rs. 805/- levied per application and a cash handling charge of Rs. 57/- (inclusive of service tax & education cess) payable in cash.

For applicants applying in Mumbai and Bangalore:

• Payable to "VFS Belgium".
• Account 24105038515 at Standard Chartered Bank
• Payable in Mumbai.
• Dated not later than the presentation of the visa application.
• One bank draft per application/person.

For Legalisations:
• Payable to "Consulate General of Belgium".
• Account 1080273 at Royal Bank of Scotland, Mumbai
• Payable in Mumbai.
• Dated not later than the presentation of the legalisation.
• One bank draft per application/person.

Visa fee is	INR 4200
Legalisation fee	INR 1050
VFS Service Charge	INR 805
VFS Service Charge for Legalisation	INR 315

Visa fee is non-refundable.

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Seamen

Seamen transit visa allows a maximum stay of five days in the Schengen area, prior to traveling onwards to a country located outside the borders of the Schengen area.

• The Applicant should have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the expiry date of your visa and should contain at least one double blank page reserved for visas (blank front and back). One photocopy of your passport (the blank pages don't need to be copied). Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• One legible, fully completed application form.
• Two passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm against a white background, the size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 32 mm and 36 mm), the photo needs to be printed on high-quality paper with at least 600 dpi resolution. It should be glued to the form and not stapled; one additional photograph has to be attached to the application form with a paper clip.
• A covering letter from the Applicant/ Company.
• A valid visa for the country of final destination.
• Proof of transport (confirmed air or train ticket).
• Proof of financial status and hotel reservation.
• A Continuous Discharge Certificate must be attached with the passport (Seamen's Booklet).
• A letter of Contract (in original) with the shipping company explaining the nature of employment, duration of the contract etc.

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Work Permit

When applying for a visa, you need to present the following documents at the embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence:

• A valid passport: The passport should be valid at least 12 months when applying should contain at least one double blank page reserved for visas (blank front and back). Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• Two passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm against a white background, the size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 32 mm and 36 mm), the photo needs to be printed on high-quality paper with at least 600 dpi resolution. It should be glued to the form and not stapled; one additional photograph has to be attached to the application form with a paper clip.
• Two application forms, signed and dated by the applicant.
• Your original work permit/training permit obtained by the Belgium-based employer, or his representative, from the regional employment service which covers the employer’s place of business (VDAB, FOREM or ORBEM). If the applicant is exempt from the work permit/training permit the relevant certificate should be provided. Researchers at a Belgian university are advised to take up this matter with their tutor beforehand.
• A Police Clearance Certificate for the past 1 year. This document is valid only 6 months from the date of issue. In case you resided in a foreign country during the past 1 year, you should moreover submit a Police Clearance Certificate issued by the relevant authorities of that foreign country .
• Depending on circumstances, complementary documents, such an invitation letter from the Belgian company or a dispatch letter from the company in India providing additional information about the goal of the trip, may be demanded.
All documents have to be produced in 1 original and 1 copy.

Submitting false documents may be followed by legal action.

All official documents must be recent i.e. not older than 6 months, attested by local, competent authorities and then legalized by The Ministry for External Affairs, Consular Division, Patiala House, New Delhi (more details). In case the original certificates are in any of the local languages, then an official translation in English must be attached which must also be duly attested and legalized by Indian Authorities.

Important:

1. Official documents issued in India must be legalized by Ministry of External Affairs, Patiala House, New Delhi. Only Apostle from the Ministry of External Affairs will be accepted for the documents issued by Indian Public Authorities.
2. Listed above are only the basic documents to be submitted in all cases. Additional documents may be requested by the Consulate and Applicants may also be invited for an interview.
3. All submitted documents must be recent (within the last 6 months). Submission of false documents may invite action.
4. The Consulate may ask for verification from the bank/financial institutions for the financial documents provided.
5. The above mentioned type D visa is a one entry National visa and requires registration in the Belgian population registers on arrival.
6. The Consulate also processes applications for Luxembourg.
7. Please take a photocopy of the first page of your passport prior to your submission at VFS.
Note:- Visa fee is to be paid in cash at the Belgium Visa Application Centre. Also there is a VFS service charge of Rs. 805/- levied per application and a cash handling charge of Rs. 57/- (inclusive of service tax & education cess) payable in cash.

Visa fee for 3 Years is	INR 12600
Legalisation fee	INR 1050
VFS Service Charge	INR 805
VFS Service Charge for Legalisation	INR 315

Visa fee is non-refundable.

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Student

For a study-related stay in Belgium, temporary residence permit is required (Autorisation de Séjour Provisoire pour études/Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf voor studies) from the Belgian Embassy or Consulate responsible for the concerned place of residence.

• A valid passport: The passport should be valid at least 12 months when applying and should contain at least one double blank page reserved for visas (blank front and back). Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• Two passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm against a white background, the size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 32 mm and 36 mm), the photo needs to be printed on high-quality paper with at least 600 dpi resolution. It should be glued to the form and not stapled; one additional photograph has to be attached to the application form with a paper clip.
• Two application forms, signed and dated by the applicant.
• A medical certificate (this is valid only 6 months from date of issue). The specific form (available here) must be signed and stamped by one of the designated hospitals/doctors.
• If you are over 21 years old (or 18 if you are going to study at a private educational establishment), a Police Clearance Certificate for the past 1 year. This document is valid only 6 months from the date of issue. In case you resided in a foreign country during the past 1 year, you should moreover submit a Police Clearance Certificate issued by the relevant authorities of that foreign country.
• Proof of registration or a registration permit for a full course in a higher education establishment in Belgium, or proof of application for an equivalence certificate for diplomas or certificates issued abroad, or proof of registration for an admission test or entrance exam.
• A notarized certificate of your diploma / degree, or proof of study at an Indian university or institution of higher education in the notarized form.
• Proof of your financial support. It can be done by:
• Proper proof of the scholarship you have been or will be granted. OR
• Proof that a guarantor supports you: - If the guarantor is a Belgian national or has a permanent residence permit in Belgium, he has to provide:
• A letter of guarantee (in the prescribed form - annex 32 - French/English version - Flemish/English version), signed by your guarantor. This document can be obtained from the guarantor’s municipality in Belgium and has to be certified by the municipality. This document is valid for 6 months after issue.
• A certificate of registration issued to the guarantor by the municipality in Belgium; a photocopy of the guarantor’s identity card / passport.
• Proof of the solvency of the guarantor (bank account statement / salary sheet / tax paper). Proven monthly income should be at least €750 + €569 for the student (for the academic year 2010-2011) + €150 for each dependant family member.
• It’s recommended to provide a certificate of the composition of the guarantor’s family.
• If the guarantor is residing in India or in a foreign country, he has to provide:
• A letter of guarantee (in the prescribed form - annex 32 - French/English version - Flemish/English version ) by your guarantor. If the guarantor is residing in India, he is required to present himself at the Embassy / Consulate General to sign the letter of guarantee and have his signature legalized. If the guarantor is residing in a foreign country, this document can be obtained from the diplomatic or consular mission of Belgium in this country and has to be certified by that mission. This document is valid for 6 months after i
• A photocopy of the guarantor’s identity card.
• Proof of the solvency of the guarantor: bank account statement for the last 3 months / salary sheet / tax paper – translated and notarized (*). The monthly income should be at least (the equivalent of) €750 + €569 for the student (for the academic year 2010-2011) + €150 for each dependant family member.
• (If possible) Certificates of foreign language studies. The certificates should be submitted in the notarized form
• In certain cases: other complementary documents might be requested to justify the merits of the visa application.
All documents have to be produced in 1 original and 1 copy.

Submitting false documents may be followed by legal action.

All official documents must be recent i.e. not older than 6 months, attested by local, competent authorities and then legalized by The Ministry for External Affairs, Consular Division, Patiala House, New Delhi (more details). [Legalization.doc] In case the original certificates are in any of the local languages, then an official translation in English must be attached which must also be duly attested and legalized by Indian Authorities..

Important:

• Official documents issued in India must be legalized by Ministry of External Affairs, Patiala House, New Delhi. Only Apostle from the Ministry of External Affairs will be accepted for the documents issued by Indian Public Authorities.
• Listed above are only the basic documents to be submitted in all cases. Additional documents may be requested by the Consulate and Applicants may also be invited for an interview.
• All submitted documents must be recent (within the last 6 months). Submission of false documents may invite action.
• The Consulate may ask for verification from the bank/financial institutions for the financial documents provided.
• The above mentioned type D visa is a one entry National visa and requires registration in the Belgian population registers on arrival.
• The Consulate also processes applications for Luxembourg.
• A photocopy of the first page of the passport and a set of clear copies of the above mentioned documents in the same exact order is required prior to your submission at VFS.
Note:- Visa fee is to be paid in cash at the Belgium Visa Application Centre. Also there is a VFS service charge of Rs. 805/- levied per application and a cash handling charge of Rs. 57/- (inclusive of service tax & education cess) payable in cash.

Visa fee for 1 Year is	INR 12600
Legalisation fee	INR 1050
VFS Service Charge	INR 805
VFS Service Charge for Legalisation	INR 315

Visa fee is non-refundable.